Fall Festivals Across America: Your 2025 Guide to the Best Autumn Events
As the air turns crisp and leaves begin to glow, communities all across the United States bring out their best harvest traditions. From apple orchards in Pennsylvania to pumpkin parades in Ohio and Oktoberfest in Georgia, fall 2025 promises colorful weekends filled with food, music, and local pride. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a more extended road trip, here are some of the most exciting autumn festivals to check out this year.
California Harvest Celebrations
Sonoma County Harvest Fair
On October 11, 2025, wine country hosts its annual Harvest Fair, featuring hundreds of award-winning wines, chef-inspired food pairings, and the beloved Grape Stomping Contest. It is one of the most celebrated food and wine events in Northern California.
Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival
This Pacific Coast favorite brings art vendors, live music, and giant pumpkin weigh-offs where some gourds tip the scales at over a ton. The salty ocean breeze paired with autumn’s best flavors makes it a must for families and fall enthusiasts.
Balloon Magic in the Southwest
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Every October, hundreds of hot air balloons fill the New Mexico skies in one of the most photographed festivals in the world. Mornings are filled with mass ascensions, while evenings offer “balloon glow” events that light up the desert horizon.
Midwest Traditions
Circleville Pumpkin Show, Ohio
Since 1903, this small town has transformed into pumpkin central with parades, contests, and pumpkin-flavored foods of every variety. From donuts to pizza, visitors come hungry and leave happy.
Keene Pumpkin Festival, New Hampshire
This festival lights up the town square with thousands of jack-o-lanterns. Families stroll through glowing displays, enjoy live performances, and sample seasonal treats.
Pennsylvania’s Apple Country
National Apple Harvest Festival
Located in Biglerville near Gettysburg, this festival celebrates apples in every form. Guests can sip cider, watch apple butter being cooked over open fires, and browse crafts made by local artisans.
Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival
Nestled in the Pocono Mountains, the historic town of Jim Thorpe hosts a festival that pairs live music and artisan vendors with scenic train rides and brilliant fall colors.
Maryland Mountain Colors
Autumn Glory Festival
Set in Western Maryland, Autumn Glory combines parades, craft shows, and scenic drives through the Allegheny Mountains during peak foliage season.
Catoctin Colorfest
Held in Thurmont on October 11-12, 2025, Colorfest is one of the largest arts and crafts festivals in the East, attracting over 100,000 visitors annually.
Southern Charm and Oktoberfest
Fall for Greenville, South Carolina
Downtown Greenville comes alive with food vendors, craft beer, and multiple stages of live music. It is one of the Southeast’s most popular food and music festivals.
Helen Oktoberfest, Georgia
In the Bavarian-style town of Helen, Oktoberfest stretches across weeks of dancing, German beer, and bratwurst. Surrounded by Appalachian scenery, it feels like a taste of Germany with a touch of Southern hospitality.
Planning Tips for 2025
Book accommodations early, as many of these towns are small and hotels tend to sell out quickly.
Confirm dates on each festival’s official website to avoid surprises.
Dress in layers to stay comfortable during cool mornings and warm afternoons.
Check parking and shuttle options since many historic towns limit downtown traffic.
Use state foliage trackers to pair your trip with peak autumn color.
The 2025 U.S. fall festival calendar offers something for everyone. Whether you crave food, art, music, or just the simple joy of autumn leaves, these festivals make the season one worth celebrating.